Ancient Roman Silver rare finial for a ceremonial chair, 14 x 46 cm - EX CHRISTIES / EX IFERGAN MUSEUM-

This silver finial belonged to a chair, it is made in embossed silver, a difficult and costly technique. In the form of a frieze we find a series of marine figures such as nereids, monsters and tritons carrying cornucopias. In the centre of the composition is a semi-naked seated woman with a naked torso, her long hair falling over her shoulders and holding a billowing cloak over her head. She is probably the nereid Amphitrite, also known as the Mistress of the
Seas, one of the 50 nereids who were the daughters of Nereus and Doris, and who later became the wife of Poseidon.

Amphitrite was considered mother by most of the sea creatures who followed and worshipped her, such as dolphins, seals and sea horses. Her clothing was usually the same as that of her nereid sisters; robes of white silk or other bright colours with golden decorations, which carried the trident of Poseidon as a sign of her union with this kingdom. In art, Amphitrite was always portrayed with her consort Poseidon and accompanied by a large number of sea creatures and her nereid sisters. On some occasions she is accompanied by her sons Triton and Rhodo, while she is in a chariot made of marine materials, pulled by sea horses and dolphins. She can also be seen seated on a throne while her retinue of creatures adore her and accompany her.

Provenance: José de Alburquerque Collection (Lisbon, Portugal), 1989-2010/ Arqueología Clásica S.L - Galería F. Cervera (Barcelona), 2010 / Nicolás Barriopedro Ajenjo Collection (Madrid) 2010-2014 / Galería Ars Histórica (Madrid) 2014

Published: Christie's Antiquities, London - South Kesington, 25 October 2012, Lot 121. Classified as Roman, 4th Century and with an estimate of £35,000-45,000.

Exhibited: Ifergan Collection museum, Málaga (2018-2020)

Statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Important: For destinations out of Spanish territorry: all our object will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.

According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes and will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense.

These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:

- Up to 6,000 euros: 5%.
- From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10%.

Due to Switzerland customs regulations about antiques over 100 years old, this lot cannot be sold to customers residing in Switzerland.
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